The Middlesex Life

Peter Walker | Patty Gongaware | Scott Henwood
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Biweekly

News, information, and history of the Middlesex Township community in Butler County, Pennsylvania

  1. Aug 6

    27 Mary Kutchko | Country Garden Center

    This episode the team does a non-stop recording beginning to end with their guest, Mary Kutchko. Peter helps us understand the horticulture and agriculture of our area a little better, and Mary shares a very authentic and emotionally honest story of how she and Lenny started the Country Garden Center through tragedies and triumphs. Email us: TheMiddlesexLife@Gmail.com Middlesex Community Action (website) Sign up for official Middlesex Twp notifications here Next Board of Supervisors Township Meeting: Wed, Aug 19 @ 6:30pm Next Planning Commission Meeting: Wed, Aug 26 @ 6:30pm Township Bldg — Browns Hill Road Mary Kutchko | The Garden Center 101 Glade Mill Road (corner of Rt 228 & Saxonburg Blvd) Saxonburg, PA  FB: LennysCountryGardenCenter p: (724) 351-2184 What’s On August 20-23 The Band Jam Grass Roots Music Festival presented by Experience Butler County Cooper’s Lake Campground - 205 Currie Road Slippery Rock Three days of spotlighting the very best in Western PA local original music as featured on The Grass Roots Show, airing Sunday nights at 7pm on The Rock Station WLER 97.7 FM Thursday Singer/Songwriter night is free; weekend music pass is $31.60. Camping is available for an additional fee. Mingle on Main (Aug 20th Only) Main Street of Saxonburg 5:30pm - 8:30pm  August 25 Concerts in the Park - Zelie Community Park TheCAUSE 5-piece Pittsburgh jam band; drawing inspiration from improvisational titans and classic rock legends, frequently covering The Grateful Dead, Phish, The Beatles, Bob Dylan   August 28 Full Moon Forest Therapy - Glade Run Lake 8-10 PM Experience the restoration benefits of forest bathing. Scientifically proven to decrease stress, anxiety, and depression; boost immunity. mood, joy and enhance creativity. Walks are held rain or shine. This guided experience includes a brief meditation, sensory-based invitations and a tea ceremony. $30/person Ages 12 and up. Register at @foresttherapywithlori on Instagram, or by visiting www.foresttherapywithlori.com For much, much more, visit https://www.experiencebutler.com/events/ Seasonal Farmers Markets Harvest Valley Farm Market & Bakery, 5820 William Flynn Highway Freedom Farms Farmers Market, 779 Pittsburgh Rd. Butler

    27 Mary Kutchko | Country Garden Center

  2. Jul 23

    26 Emil Schultz | Schultz Ornamental Iron

    The team talks with Emil Schultz about the company he started with the blacksmithing skills he honed by learning from three generations of his family - the same occupation that helped Middlesex Township thrive in the past. There's also a recap of an event the MCA hosted back in May with Jessica Pierce focused on the township's thousands of acres of forestry. Email us: TheMiddlesexLife@Gmail.com Middlesex Community Action (website) Sign up for official Middlesex Twp notifications here Next Board of Supervisors Township Meeting: Wed, Aug 19 @ 6:30pm Next Planning Commission Meeting: Wed, Aug 26 @ 6:30pm Township Bldg — Browns Hill Road Emil Schultz | Schultz Ornamental Iron w: schultzornamentaliron.com e: emilno4@yahoo.com p: (724) 766-6680 What’s On July 25 Meadow Ecology & Native Plants This program will discuss ecology of meadows including the one at Alameda Park. Chris Kubiak will give a presentation about Alameda's meadow, including the plants that are found there and how they support the wildlife that lives there. Native plant seeds will be provided to all attendees. 9:00am - 10:00am  Free to attend, but let us know you're coming: https://bcpr.recdesk.com/Community/Program?category=64Where: Meet at Pavillion 12 at Alameda Park (197 Alameda Park Road, Butler, PA)Please bring water and binoculars if you'd like. If you have any questions, please email jen@butlerbirders.club August 20-23 The Band Jam Grass Roots Music Festival presented by Experience Butler County Cooper’s Lake Campground - 205 Currie Road Slippery Rock Three days of spotlighting the very best in Western PA local original music as featured on The Grass Roots Show, airing Sunday nights at 7pm on The Rock Station WLER 97.7 FM Thursday Singer/Songwriter night is free; weekend music pass is $31.60. Camping is available for an additional fee. Mingle on Main (Aug 20th Only) Main Street of Saxonburg 5:30pm - 8:30pm  August 25 Concerts in the Park - Zelie Community Park TheCAUSE 5-piece Pittsburgh jam band; drawing inspiration from improvisational titans and classic rock legends, frequently covering The Grateful Dead, Phish, The Beatles, Bob Dylan   August 28 Full Moon Forest Therapy - Glade Run Lake 8:00-10:00 PM Experience the restoration benefits of forest bathing. Scientifically proven to decrease stress, anxiety, and depression; boost immunity. mood, joy and enhance creativity. Walks are held rain or shine. This guided experience includes a brief meditation, sensory-based invitations and a tea ceremony. $30/person Ages 12 and up. Register at @foresttherapywithlori on Instagram, or by visiting www.foresttherapywithlori.com For much, much more, visit https://www.experiencebutler.com/events/ Seasonal Farmers Markets Harvest Valley Farm Market & Bakery, 5820 William Flynn Highway Freedom Farms Farmers Market, 779 Pittsburgh Rd. Butler

    26 Emil Schultz | Schultz Ornamental Iron

  3. Jul 9

    25 Nikki Healy & Taelynn Ulakovic | Butler County Humane Society

    This episode the team talks cats and dogs with Butler County Humane Society reps Nikki & Taelynn! BCHS is a no-kill shelter connecting people with pets for over 120 years. Email us: TheMiddlesexLife@Gmail.com Middlesex Community Action (website) Sign up for official Middlesex Twp notifications here Next Board of Supervisors Township Meeting: Wed, July 15 @ 6:30pm Next Planning Commission Meeting: Wed, July 22 @ 6:30pm Township Bldg — Browns Hill Road Nikki Healy & Taelynn Ulakovic | Butler County Humane Society FB: BCHSPA Insta: BCHSPA YouTube:  w: bchspa.info e: info@butlercountyhs.org p: (724) 789-1150 Inside the Episode July 21 9th Annual Wine and Whiskers  Butler County Humane Society Taking place at Narcisi Winery 5:30pm - 9:00pm What’s On July 17-19, 24-26 Freedom Farms Wildflower Festival Fridays  4pm -8pm   Saturdays  9am - 5pm  Sundays  9am-5pm  First Weekend — $20 Second Weekend — $10 July 21 ⁠9th Annual Wine and Whiskers ⁠ Butler County Humane Society Taking place at Narcisi Winery 5:30pm - 9:00pm July 25 Middlesex Township Community Day Community Park - Brownshill Rd 3:30pm - 9:30pm July 25 Celebrate the Bloom 2026 Jennings Environmental Education Center Slippery Rock 9am - 5pm For much, much more, visit https://www.experiencebutler.com/events/ Seasonal Farmers Markets Harvest Valley Farm Market & Bakery, 5820 William Flynn Highway Freedom Farms Farmers Market, 779 Pittsburgh Rd. Butler

    25 Nikki Healy & Taelynn Ulakovic | Butler County Humane Society

  4. Jun 25

    24 Art King | Royal Grange

    Have you ever wondered what a Grange is? We have your answer in this episode. Art King of Harvest Valley Farms joins the team in studio to talk about the Grange, the good it does in our community, and how you can join in on the action. Email us: TheMiddlesexLife@Gmail.com Middlesex Community Action (website) Sign up for official Middlesex Twp notifications here Next Board of Supervisors Township Meeting: Wed, July 15 @ 6:30pm Next Planning Commission Meeting: Wed, July 22 @ 6:30pm Township Bldg — Browns Hill Road Art King President | Middlesex Township Grange e: kings5@consolidated.net What’s On Jun 27-28 Freedom Farms Berry Festival & Craft Show  11am-5pm Berry flavored everything, tractor rides, petting zoo, over 50 craft vendors, beer & wine garden $10/per person; under 3 free July 1 Adams Township Celebrating America’s 250 5pm-10PM Celebration will span over nine acres of the park, with food, fun and entertainment for all ages. Dedicated Kids Zone; local food vendors; Block Party with live bands and beer garden; and of course, a spectacular fireworks display! July 3-4 Mars July 4th & America250 Celebration Downtown Mars and Marburger Field July 3  Rides on the Mars Area History & Landmarks Society Shortline railroad and more July 4  Vendor market with artisans, food trucks and kids games 2-6 Parade at 5pm Marburger Field community cookout at 6:30 Fireworks begin at dusk - 88.1FM for music to go along with the fireworks For much, much more, visit https://www.experiencebutler.com/events/ Seasonal Farmers Markets Harvest Valley Farm Market & Bakery, 5820 William Flynn Highway Freedom Farms Farmers Market, 779 Pittsburgh Rd. Butler

    24 Art King | Royal Grange

  5. Jun 11

    23 Jen Balsiger | Butler Birders Club

    TML welcomes Jen Balsiger, founder of the Butler Birders Club to talk about who is a birder and why they do what they do. The township is filled with great experiences to observe and be a part of nature with birds being an incredible part of it. Peter lets us know just how far back birding goes in the township, and Patty keeps us informed of the fun things ahead on the calendar. Podcast notes Email us: TheMiddlesexLife@Gmail.com Middlesex Community Action (website) Sign up for official Middlesex Twp notifications here Next Board of Supervisors Township Meeting: Wed, Jun 17 @ 6:30pm Next Planning Commission Meeting: Wed, Jun 24 @ 6:30pm Township Bldg — Browns Hill Road Jen Balsiger Founder | Butler Birders Club FB: Butler Birders Club w: butlerbirders.club e: Jen@butlerbirders.club Inside the Episode Jennings Environmental Center Audubon Society Master Birder Program Merlin Bird app by Cornell Lab for iOS What’s On June 11Picnic & Music in the Park - Succup Nature Park - Airport Rd 6:30pm-8:30pm - Free Tables and seating under the pavilion, or bring a blanket and spread out on the lawn as you enjoy the beauty of the grounds and some great local talent! Jun 12-14 15th Annual Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival Downtown Butler & Coopers Lake, Slippery Rock Trails, obstacles, vendors, Jeep history, and more; Honor our shared American spirit and Bantam’s incredible legacy.  June 13 Our Frontier Landscapes on the Road to Revolution and Beyond9am - Free - Adults + kids over 12Jennings Environmental Education Center, Prospect Rd, Slippery Rock 2 hours, 3 miles, varied terrainFrom our geology, flora, and fauna to the evidence of human use throughout that time, participants will discover ways of seeing the landscape that help to unravel some of the myths and mysteries in our revolutionary history. Seasonal Farmers Markets Harvest Valley Farm Market & Bakery, 5820 William Flynn Highway Freedom Farms Farmers Market, 779 Pittsburgh Rd. Butler

    23 Jen Balsiger | Butler Birders Club

  6. May 28

    22 Jim Brown & Greg Vikanovak | Middlesex Twp Volunteer Fire Co

    Scott and Peter are given the opportunity to talk with Jim Brown, President of MTVFC, and Greg Vikanovak, Chief of MTVFC to discuss the role the fire company plays in the township and the ways people can get involved. Email us: TheMiddlesexLife@Gmail.com Middlesex Community Action (website) Sign up for official Middlesex Twp notifications here Next Board of Supervisors Township Meeting: Wed, Jun 17 @ 6:30pm Next Planning Commission Meeting: Wed, Jun 24 @ 6:30pm Township Bldg — Browns Hill Road Jim Brown & Greg Vikanovak President & Chief | Middlesex Twp Volunteer Fire Department w: middlesexvfc.com p: (724) 898-1480 Emergency: 911 130 Browns Hill Road Valencia, PA 16059 What’s On May 31Goat Yoga on the Farm 5:30-7:30 (Multiple dates all summer) $40 One hour of outdoor yoga with the goats, then one hour of goat cuddling and cider or beer, and cheese tasting afterwards. Please bring your own mat and water. Jun 6-7 Mars New Year  - Celebrating the New Year on the red planet.  5-10 Saturday; 2-10 Sunday  Fun, and immersive activities for all ages, with exhibits from organizations like NASA, Astrobotic; speakers including cosmonauts, NASA and planetary scientists; rocket launches; educational STEAM activities; maker space, costume contest, music, and night time drone show! Plus the 11th Annual Mars Brewfest   Every Saturday May-October Mars Farm Market - Woodland Valley Church parking lot - 9-Noon Details on their Facebook Page Also visit  Harvest Valley Farm Market & Bakery, 5820 William Flynn Highway Freedom Farms Farmers Market, 779 Pittsburgh Rd. Butler

    22 Jim Brown & Greg Vikanovak | Middlesex Twp Volunteer Fire Co

  7. May 14

    21 Jill Sweet | Pine Tree Center Performing Arts

    Peter is joined by Susie Salter to go for a walk through her property examining some of the old oil wells still remaining, and we get to go along for the conversation! Jill Sweet then gives us all a picture of what it's like to own a dance studio and bring her passion for people and the performing arts to Middlesex Township. Peter and Patty also give a review of the MCA's Woodland Workshop in case you missed it. Email us: TheMiddlesexLife@Gmail.com Middlesex Community Action (website) Sign up for official Middlesex Twp notifications here Next Board of Supervisors Township Meeting: Wed, May 20 @ 6:30pm Next Planning Commission Meeting: Wed, May 27 @ 6:30pm Susie Salter | A Walk Among Oil Wells Jill Sweet Owner | Pine Center Performing Arts FB: PineTreePerformingArts Insta:  YouTube:  w: PineTreeCenter.com e: jsweet@pinetreecenter.com p: (724) 898-1122 What’s On May 21Saxonburg Mingle on Main  Main St. Saxonburg 5:30pm-8:30pm Family friendly, all things local, food, drinks, vendors, car cruise, music, fun May 23 Butler Birders Club’s Bird by Ear Workshop  Alameda Park Butler, meet at Jaycee Shelter 9am-10am Learn tips and tricks to listen to birdsong and identify birds Flat paved path Free but register Questions? jen@butlerbirders.club   Found an injured bird?Contact Stormy Oaks Nature Conservancy by phone only - leave a message (724) 898-1788 Birds only - Passerines (Songbirds, Swifts, Swallows) and Raptors (Birds of Prey) Please do not take birds without talking to someone there first

    21 Jill Sweet | Pine Tree Center Performing Arts

  8. Apr 30

    020 Amanda Becker | Appleseed Events

    This episode the team talks with Appleseed Events owner and founder, Amanda Becker. They discuss some of the challenges of running an events planning business and the types of people who naturally love this kind of work. Maybe you're one of them! They also talk about the growth of agriculture and the historical context of how the area's farms came to be. Email us: TheMiddlesexLife@Gmail.com Middlesex Community Action (website) Sign up for official Middlesex Twp notifications here Next Board of Supervisors Township Meeting: Wed, May 20 @ 6:30pm Next Planning Commission Meeting: Wed, May 27 @ 6:30pm Amanda Becker Owner | Appleseed Events FB: AppleseedEvents Insta: appleseedevents YouTube:  w: Appleseed Events w: AllGreen Outdoor Living e: amanda@appleseedeventspgh.com p: (724) 931-2507 Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Village What’s On Saturday May 2 PA Geology Tour (Self-Driven) 9-2PM $15/members- $25/non-members This driving tour will meet at the Miller Esker Natural Area (also known as Jacksville Esker), Worth Township, near Portersville. Then drive to McConnell’s Mill State Park and look at 300 million year old rock formations. Then travel to Cleland rock overlook and learn how melting glacial water ripped out a deep gorge in a geologic instant. (Eskers form when melting ice carves a river-like tunnel within a glacier; as the glacier recedes, sand and gravel are deposited and leave behind a serpentine mound that becomes covered with soil and vegetation.) Contact Ryan Stauffer at rstauffer@aswp.org Those who sign up will receive a detailed email that will include all locations, directions, and a list of what to bring. Saturday May 9 How to care for your woodland property FREE workshop for Middlesex Township residents Organized by Middlesex Community Action & Jess Pierce, DCNR Forestry Township offices 133 Browns Hill Road • 1-4PM Learn about How to care for your woodland property How to keep invasive plants under control How well-managed woodland can give you a source of income Register by emailing Peter Walker peterjcwalker@gmail.com

    020 Amanda Becker | Appleseed Events
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About

News, information, and history of the Middlesex Township community in Butler County, Pennsylvania

Information

  • Creator
    Peter Walker | Patty Gongaware | Scott Henwood
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Peter Walker | Patty Gongaware | Scott Henwood
  • Show Website
    The Middlesex Life